Receive the latest local updates in your inbox

Improper hand washing and failure to follow proper food handling practices at restaurants are the most common sources of norovirus outbreaks, according to a new report released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Published Tuesday, June 3, 2014)

Updated at 12:01 AM CDT on Wednesday, Jun 4, 2014

Improper hand washing and failure to follow proper food handling practices at restaurants are the most common sources of norovirus outbreaks, according to a new report released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Often associated with cruise ships, norovirus outbreaks at restaurants accounted for 64 percent of the known outbreaks between 2009 and 2012, the CDC study. Of those outbreaks, 70 percent were linked to food workers.

Norovirus is estimated to cause one in 15 U.S. residents to become ill each year, as well as 56,000 to 71,000 hospitalizations and 570 to 800 deaths, predominately among young children and senior citizens, the CDC reported.

The CDC recommends “improved adherence to appropriate hand hygiene,” according to the report.

The Tarrant County Public Health Department has conducted 2,994 inspections of restaurants and professional kitchens since Jan. 1, according to numbers provided by Kelly Hanes, Senior Public Information Officer with the health department.

There have been 18 self-reported instances of possible foodborne illnesses contracted at restaurants inspected by Tarrant County, Hanes said.

Of the serious violations found, improper hand washing ranked fourth-most with 62 out of compliance instances.

The top three violations included:

303 violations for “Good Hygienic Practices” – which could include several problems, including having a personal drink around food preparation areas, Hanes said.